New Manchester service helps city’s rough sleepers

Share

Share

Stanley Grove was set-up in just six weeks by Sanctuary Supported Living and provides accommodation and support to 20 people including couples, people with limited mobility and wheelchair users.

The service has been specifically designed and commissioned to meet the immediate needs of entrenched rough sleepers and those with complex support needs across the city.

Working alongside Manchester City Council, Sanctuary Supported Living has been able to use an existing asset to respond to immediate and long-term need.

The design of the service has enabled Sanctuary to accommodate some of the most vulnerable people. It includes specific provisions for single women – such as separate access and facilities, and some rooms for sole use responding to feedback from the first phase of the initiative.

The service provides 24-hour support to help residents address immediate needs. It also helps them to develop independent living skills including budgeting, meal planning, overcoming social isolation, confidence, self-esteem, managing their tenancy and developing personalised move-on pathways.

More than 1,400 people have been helped since the scheme began, with 480 of these moving on to “a more suitable housing solution”.

Sara Keetley, Sanctuary Supported Living Operations Director, commented: “We are proud to be supporting Greater Manchester’s innovative response to the homelessness crisis through this campaign.

“Just as each person who becomes homeless will have different needs, so Sanctuary Supported Living offers a range of specific and specialist services across the country.

“Stanley Grove will add to our services in Manchester and provide a valuable, safe and supportive place for some the city’s rough sleepers where they can begin their journey away from life on the streets.”